Streaky part 2: Nutrition, Focus, and just plain awesomeness

Jenn or Streaky.....which ever you call her - is an awesome person. Anytime I've had a question or needed to be inspired she is there with a smile on her face and probably a heavy ass barbell in her hand. She has been through a lot and is a super positive person. I first interviewed her here and now that some time has passed I decided I needed to catch up with her again. Of course, she said yes.

She is one of the first women I saw pictures of that lifted heavy and 100% gave me the guts to not only say "I want to do that too" but actually get the courage to do it. For that I thank you Streaky.




1. What does your off day look like? What do you like to do other than pick things up and put them down?

My off day is usually spent doing meal prep, laundry, and prepping for the week ahead. Hanging with my boy and pups. I love being outdoors, hiking, biking, motorcycling, exploring.


2. What does your training day look like? Where are you training? Multiple times a day? With friends or alone?

My training days right now are pretty intense - 2 a days - strength, conditioning, bro stuff at Golds Gym for aesthetics and accessory pieces - TONS OF BICEP CURLS - I usually train alone, but sometimes I get lucky and have a buddy.

3. What advice do you have for women looking to lift heavy shit?

Lifting heavy shit is so empowering. DO IT! With it brings forth a confidence you never knew existed.


4. Favorite movie?

The Goonies


5. What was your take-away from Regionals Team last year? The good. The bad.

I loved that I set a goal to compete at Regionals and did what it took to get there. The good: being able to compete along side of the best teammates led by the amazing Miki Carey. Being part of a team was pretty neat. I've never played sports or anything, so it was a neat dynamic. The bad: I wasn't 100% confident in my abilities and strengths. I focused too much on what I couldn't do instead of what I could. :(

6. What is your focus on now? Crossfit? Lifting? Do you have goals set?

My focus is still on training like a boss. I still love crossfit, however I'm leaning more towards powerlifting/Oly/Grid style training. I love moving heavy shit really quickly. I have a ton of goals set for the next 6 months.

7. What has changed for your new meal plan? Flexible dieting, Macros....?

My new meal plan has a lot more carbs added in to it because my volume and intensity has increased a ton. 

I don't really consider myself a flexible dieter. As of now my food choices are usually body builder/zone like - with the occasional splurge on a rice crispie treat. By occasional I mean daily. LOL 

I literally can't even....bad. ass.

8. Any competitions coming up?

My first Competition this season is going to be June 26/27 - power lifting/power X. Can't wait to see how my new dieting and programming has changed since last season.

9. What the question you get asked most?

The question I get asked the most: "when is your next show?" I always have folks assume I'm a body building, which I take as a compliment. Probably my biggest pet peeve question "how do I get lean and tone without being bulky or too muscular like you?" :(



10. Who do you look up to? Who are you DYING to meet?

I look up to a ton of people - my mom - peers - I find inspiration, wisdom, and knowledge from everyone. Dying to meet? No one in particular. I love meeting new people!

11. Any new tatoos in the works?

No new tattoos in the works, however I'd love to finish my left arm sleeve and fix the Koi fish that everyone says looks like a thanksgiving cornucopia.

12. Morning person or night owl?

I'm both - Morning person and a night owl.

13. Do you have a motto or a saying that gets you through the tough workouts?

My motto that gets me through: the first thing I usually tell myself is there are no pansies in the hall of fame. Pick it up Streaky!!! and "don't beat yourself up. you came in, did work, and punched the clock. You are one rep closer to the podium. Suck it up and do work - nothing but a peanut."

14. What's the hardest part about coaching? What's the best part?

I don't feel like there is a hard part to coaching - passing the written testy maybe. Hahahha  The best part is seeing an athletes face light up when they PR, learn a movement, and appreciate you for teaching them something outside their comfort zone. The feeling inside is indescribable. It makes my soul happy.

15. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I hope to still be coaching and competing and getting prepared to compete as a Masters Athlete.

16. How has the move to Crossfit Goat and Georgia been? Missing the beach?

Quite honestly, this move has been extremely taxing on me mentally, physically, and emotionally. It has affected my training tremendously. Weather, new surroundings, people, etc. is a huge adjustment. Once I finally got my bearings everything seems to be working out for the best. I am currently still doing make up and working 4 other jobs, but i love it. 

I absolutely miss the beach and Florida and my mom and friends and family and Gardens Crossfit very much. Looking forward to going home and visiting, but as for now I'm busy hustling and training my ass off here in Georgia. 

Thanks Streaky!!!!

Training Partners - like peanut butter and jelly

I do a good amount of work outside of Crossfit Annandale. I have a home gym (thanks Sam!) and I have no problem working on skills, strength, and running through WODs on my own. This allows me more time with my kids and save on babysitting fees. Sam hates working out by himself. He is a social butterfly and likes to be around people. Always.

I do understand and feel the benefits from having a training partner. I typically go into CFA 3-4 times a week to be with people, get inspired, and get pushed to go faster and lift heavier. I don't know where I'd be without my training partners. My training partners know who they are and we lift together, we push each other, we cheer each other on, we strategize with each other, and we do competitions with each other. Then there are the people that have no clue they are my partners. The person that comes in regularly, makes progress, laughs and enjoys the hour - they are my partner too. We cheer for each other and have a great time! Oh, and every guy in the gym. I am always chasing you boys!

A training partner also can mean FUN. Laughing, smiles, high fives, and hugs are all part of the PR magic. Trust me. So here is a BIG shout out to all those who have cheered, sweat, and pushed me along the way. Thank you. Love you all!

awesome running buddies

tutu running partner

our first triathlon

only fitting we do a wine country 1/2 marathon together

my biggest fan

the best tiny training partners

Those gym partners. Always there for a push!

So much great support for my first RX competition

All the feels on being 3rd for workout #1

Coaches, training partners.....awesome

My partner in crime

The dudes that get to answer ALL my questions and talk me off a ledge

Syn @Afrobrutality for all the support!

Training partners that love to dress alike

Team Work

 

 

The Man behind Afrobrutality

 Syn Martinez is the man behind Afrobrutality, Afrobrewtality, and Afrobrutality Radio . He is a social media ninja, designing master, brutal programmer, and all around cool guy. First thing I do in the morning is check his Instagram (@afrobrutaliy) - his designs are sick and he pairs them with some great print ("Believe in your fucking self" is one of my faves).

I have felt like a stalker getting ready for this post, researching Syn, listening to pod casts on Squats and Espresso ( here and here), reading articles, looking at pictures, and going back through his Instagram. Learning more about who he is, and how Afrobrutality came to be, has been inspiring. He works hard, believes in himself, and surrounds himself with great people.

Back in the early 2000's Syn was working from home, eating McDonald's for breakfast, Chinese food for lunch, and watching a lot of movies. Fast forward 115ish pounds and a wake up call workout with his crew, and he knew he needed to make a change. He worked out with his crew, ran some 1/2 marathons, lost 120ish pounds, and got into triathlons. In 2007 he organized a group to compete in the Urbanathalon in NYC and designed their shirts. They were a hit.

Syn learned about CrossFit after a Nike Sparq competition in 2007 and ended up doing the Mainsite WODs for all of 2008. That's when he noticed the training programs, the Level 1 Certs, and the affiliates on the side of the website. There were two established CrossFit gyms in NYC: CF South Brooklyn and Crossfit NYC. He was invited to his first Fight Gone Bad at CF South Brooklyn in 2008 and then did workouts with his crew where they could find the space. Pretty soon his crew was being invited to more competitions in the tri-state area as Crossfit Harlem. They walked in and ruined your day. They were monsters.

 

Syn's goal with his programming is to create monsters. He loves barbell chippers, running (remember he was triathlon trained), and heavy barbells. His programming is meant to piss you off and get the best out of you. He is a brutal coach because he cares. He's not going to let you lift 65 pounds for 6 months, he is going to push you. His goal is "to help the average individual feel like they could go to the games tomorrow".

I was introduced to Syn through boy Phil (@mrbillup500). He started following Syn and Afrobrutality awhile back. Phil even got tatoo advice from Syn at one point (I'm telling you, this guy knows EVERYTHING). We met face to face at GMU for the 2014 Mid-Atlantic Regionals where he was selling Afrobrutality gear. I got two tank tops and instantly needed more. I went home and ordered more online - tough to choose though since I dig most of his designs. Syn also supported Phil's journey to Nationals in Colorado by donating to his travel/meet fund.

Over the next few months I started following Aftrobrutality on Instagram. We became friends on Facebook - sorry folks, Facebook says he has maxed out his friends. I was instantly hooked. He interacts daily with his fans and he constantly posts really dope designs. I sent him messages here and there and he always responded, which was cool cause he is one busy guy. I just wanted him to know I appreciated what he was doing and what he stood for. After staying in touch for a few months I reached out and talked to Syn about becoming "The People's Athlete" for Afrobrutality. He wants to help the average athlete. That's me, average athlete. My goal is to lead by example and show the average person that you can do this too. You can make time for yourself, you can lift heavy ass shit, you can be fast, you can do a pull up, and you can be bad ass. He was on board!  Little while later I let him know I would be in New York and maybe we could meet up. His response? Sent me his cell#, stayed in touch the whole day, and he set up dinner for my family with some of his crew and Skully the Pitt. Not only did he set up dinner, he shut down SpaHa Soul (a great soul food restaurant) in East Harlem so we could have the place to ourselves! Syn means business, if you are loyal to him, he is loyal to you. I felt like royalty, I have not met many people that would go out of their way to make all that happen. Next time we are in NYC (travel plans in the works) he has promised to take us to the best pizza spot ever - I'm not telling you where though. Top Secret.
 

He did the design for The Outlaw Way singlets - you can check that out here.

He designed for Bob Harper.

Bob and his boys

Kevin and Matt reppin their Brutality gear.

Kevin Ogar and Matt Hathcock

So we got to chatting the other day and got a some more information for your reading pleasure.

When and how did you get involved in CrossFit/weight lifting?

I've been lifting weights since I was in 13 years old at school and I was able to maintain that until I moved to Harlem in 1996.

How did Afrobrutality come about?

When I was doing Triathlons and during my off season in 2007 I found a Competition in Midtown call Nike Sparq Testing, so I entered. The competition was based on measurements how high could you jump, how fast could you run from side to side and how long could you maintain a runners pace. Based on my Scores and my Age at the time (36) I came in First place. When it was over we were all sitting around talking about what we did to prepare for the Competition and a guy named David Lipson (Camille's now Husband) said "CrossFit" and another guy said "GymJones" so I went home and researched both and decided on "CrossFit".

Where was the first box you went to?

At first I just followed Main Site (CrossFit.com) and did the workouts with my Crew, then one day I realized that on the right hand side of the page there were two things "Affiliates" and Level 1's. So I first went to CrossFit NYC when they were on 39 between 5th and 6th Ave, it was very small, I couldn't find a parking space and I decided to not go in. The Second place I went to was CrossFit Virtuosity at the time Keith (the Owner at the Time) was using a Dance Studio and it was all Body Weight stuff and one set of rings, no barbells, and the Third place was CrossFit South Brooklyn which was near my job at the time. It was the first actual CrossFit gym I went to and the first person I met was Jacinto (three time Games competitor and oldest ever to compete at The Games).

Ok. Fun one: 3 things you would take if stranded on an island?

Barbell, weights, my lady

Crossfit South Brooklyn. How long were you there before you knew this was for you?

I was never a member of any CrossFit but my own. In 2007 when I ran came across CrossFit.com I knew immediately it was for me.

Afrobrutality started out of your trunk....what made you decide to start that line?

I was thinking of a good CrossFit affiliate name and something to call me and my crew at CrossFit competitions. At every CrossFit competition we were called CrossFit Harlem so we decided that would be our name. So when I thought about how the first CrossFit Harlem shirt would look I knew it needed to be a symbol that I always wanted make which was Huge Afro, a Skull and an Afro pic with a middle finger coming out of it.

The first shirt just had CrossFit Harlem on the front and the Skull on the back, so I sent it around and everyone said the Skull has to be on the front. So in my mind I said if I do that what would I put on the back. I had a few names, AfroArmageddon, AfroTerminator but I remember two things, one is when I started posting workouts on FaceBook they were all called Brutal, and the more dominate part of the logo is the Afro so AfroBrutal hmmm how about AfroBrutality and Boom.

Another fun one: most embarrassing song you love?

I grew up with Soft Rock so I have an entire embarrassing playlist. Abba. Barry Manilo.

You are a social media ninja. How do you stay on top of it all?

It's not easy I can tell you. I started with Facebook in 2009 and just took it slow. I was the first CrossFit affiliate with a Facebook page and from there I just kept up work the with the Trends. It takes being anal about staying on top of it. Making sure you have the right notifications and always make sure your telling your story.

What's a typical day look like for you?

5am Instagram catch up
 9am AfroBrutality post 
9:15am-10am emails and text messages 
10am-5pm Designing for myself and others
 1pm AfroBrutality post 
 9:15am-9pm InstaGram, FaceBook and Twitter posts 
8-9pm get the supplies for "Our Routine"
 9pm AfroBrutality post
 9pm-11pm "Our Routine"

What's your favorite cup of coffee? Sugar, cream, black.......

Black

Sometime MCT Oil and Ghee butter

Do have have fitness goals for yourself now? Deadlift a certain weight, do a competition, run marathon?

I just want to workout three times a week. Since I closed the gym it's been hard to workout regularly

Any desire to open another one?

Not by myself.

Are you programming for gyms now?

Yeah, I program one day a week

For how many gyms?

And are you looking to expand that? Or is one day cool for you?

Always looking to expand. 5 gyms so far

What happened that you branched out into radio, coffee........stuff you love? How did you decide "I need more work"?

Just replacing the energy I put into the gym into dreams I've had in the past.

Any other big dreams coming?

The radio thing will be big. I've got some ideas for a total weightlifting gym and coffee shop. I just need a good team and some Capitol.

Want to support Syn and Afrobrutality? Click away and check them out!

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